Report: FBI investigating Rutgers whistleblower Eric Murdock
By Eye on College Basketball staff | CBSSports.com
April 6, 2013 9:54 pm ET
The FBI is investigating whether Eric Murdock — the Rutgers assistant whose practice videos led to the ouster of Rutgers head coach Mike Rice and athletic director Tim Pernetti — tried to extort the university, according to a New York Times report.
The paper, citing two sources familiar with the investigation, said FBI agent James Tareco recently visited Pernetti’s office and other Rutgers locations as part of the probe.
A December letter written by Murdock’s attorney, demanding $950,000, was obtained by ESPN and released on Friday. The money was sought as a settlement of Murdock’s wrongful termination claims, the letter said.
“We are willing to give your clients until the close of business on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, to address final resolution of this matter,” the letter said. “Otherwise, we have already prepared a Complaint and will file suit without further notice. To resolve claims for damages inclusive of attorney fees and costs, Mr. Murdock is willing to accept $950,000.00.”
